Delegates must adhere to the Dress Code as specified in the individual competitive event guidelines for the orientation and event in which they are competing. Bonus points will be given according to the individual guidelines.

For all competitive events, five (5) bonus points will be added once per competitor and/or team to the tally sheet for appropriate dress. In team events, all team members must be properly dressed to receive the bonus points. Exceptions are as noted in the event guidelines.

What is NOT Acceptable

The following attire will NOT BE allowed at any HOSA event:

Clothing and accessories which are sexually suggestive, or display profanity, drugs, alcohol or tobacco products

Pants or skirts which are worn below the hip bone; or visible undergarments

Spandex, leggings, leotards, cutoffs or pajamas

Clothing which is stained, torn or ripped

Bare feet or bedroom type shoes

Tips for Dress Code Success

No dress code can cover all contingencies so HOSA members must use a certain amount of judgment in their choice of clothing to wear. HOSA members who experience uncertainty about acceptable HOSA attire should ask his/her HOSA local or state advisor.

Here are a few more tips to help you understand the HOSA Dress Code. "HOSA Casual" is the exception to some of these rules in instances such as denim and casual foot wear.

No denim clothing or canvas shoes will be acceptable. Denim pants in colors other than blue are not permitted. Blue jean skirts and dresses are NOT acceptable.

Dressy pants of different lengths that are part of a suit/ensemble may be acceptable but “shorts” are not acceptable.

Clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to HOSA delegates or guests is unacceptable.

Open-toed shoes and heeled sandals are permitted. Flip-flops and Toms are not.